The House Is on Fire By Rachel Beanland

In "The House Is on Fire," author Rachel Beanland plunges readers into the heart of Richmond, Virginia, in 1811. Against the backdrop of the winter social season and the bustling General Assembly, the city's only theater, operated by the Placide & Green Company, becomes a hub of entertainment and intrigue.

As the theater brims with holiday revelers on the night after Christmas, the lives of four individuals intersect: newly widowed Sally Henry Campbell seeks solace in memories of happier times, while Cecily Patterson finds a temporary escape from her hardships in the colored gallery. Backstage, stagehand Jack Gibson hopes to secure a permanent position, while blacksmith Gilbert Hunt dreams of affording his wife's freedom to accompany him to the theater.

Tragedy strikes when the theater erupts in flames mid-performance, propelling Sally, Cecily, Jack, and Gilbert into a series of fateful decisions that will alter the course of their lives and the lives of countless others. As news of the disaster reverberates across the nation, their paths become inexorably intertwined, revealing the profound impact of split-second choices in the face of catastrophe.

Drawing from the true story of Richmond's historic theater fire, "The House Is on Fire" unfolds as a gripping tale of resilience, redemption, and the enduring power of human connection in the wake of tragedy. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous historical detail, Beanland offers readers an immersive exploration of a pivotal moment in American history, reminding us that even amidst the darkest of times, moments of redemption and hope can emerge. 📚❤️